Bowen, Spurs sweep series away from Sonics

Defensive specialist Bruce Bowen scored 18 points to lead five
players in double figures as the Spurs completed a season-series
sweep over the SuperSonics, 110-91.

Tony Parker netted 16 points and fellow All-Star Tim Duncan had
14 and seven assists for San Antonio, which captured its first
series sweep since the 2003-04 campaign.

"I thought everybody played unselfish, moved the ball great and
had some great shots wide open," Parker said. "It was a good win
for us."

On March 25 at Key Arena, San Antonio blasted Seattle in an
impressive 120-79 triumph as seven players finished in double
digits. It was the largest margin of victory for the Spurs this
season.

Bowen matched his career high with six 3-pointers.

"It feels good. I mean, it's great when you get the opportunity
to shoot that many times when you're open," Bowen said. "That's
what happened. I had a chance to get some shots up, as compared
to other games that may not be like that."

"It's important. Bruce making those shots helps our offense,"
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. "He has a good number of open
shots most games because Tim gets most of the attention."

San Antonio (49-20) has only lost three times in its past 23
matchups to close within three games of second-place Phoenix
(56-18) in the Western Conference standings.

The Spurs will host the Suns on Thursday.

"It's a big game for us, not because of who it is, but because
it's the next game," Spurs swingman Michael Finley said.
"Hopefully, we can get do the things we're capable of doing, the
things the coaches have been preaching thus far. And
hopefully, that will be enough for us to get the win."

On Tuesday, the Spurs held a 12-point edge at intermission
before extending the lead to 83-60 when Manu Ginobili converted
a three-point play, capping a commanding 15-2 burst with 3:17
remaining.

Chris Wilcox scored 20 points and Rashard Lewis added 19 for the
Sonics, who shot 36 percent (26-of-71) from the floor and made
just 3-of-12 3-pointers.

"They're just a good defensive team. They're a great team,
period," Lewis said. "They play together on offense, and on the
defensive end. It just lets you know how far ahead they are than
we are. We have a lot more learning to do and a lot more
improving to do."